Sarah called out, “Oh, Mommy!” Lou turned to her. “A man told me to give this to you.” She held a plain paper envelope in her hand. Lou reached out and took it in her own, then walked straight inside to the bathroom. She stood by the counter and opened the letter, thinking it must be from a friend of the family.
A photo fell into her hand of her mother and a teenage Lou, standing side by side.
What she read took her breath.
Mary Lou,
You and I have an important matter to discuss. You still have something I need to get from you. Don’t make me come and get it. You have one week and then I’m coming to get what you owe.
Wes
Lou took a deep breath, splashed some water on her face in an attempt to wash away the worry lines. She dried her face gently and placed the letter and photo in the pocket of her skirt. She lifted her shoulders, steeled herself and rejoined the crowd. They had thinned out considerably. The viewing was almost over and most of the family and friends had paid their respects. Small groups of people still milled about. Night was falling, so Sadie stood inside with Sarah. Lou took a deep breath. At least she was safe. For the next week, she was safe.
Brody walked over to Lou, his eyebrows scrunched together. “Where did you run off to?”
“Do you really want me to tell you about my trip to the ladies’ room?” she flipped back at him.
“Is something wrong?”
She sighed. If you only knew. “No. Nothing’s wrong. I’m just tired, I guess.” She rubbed her eyes with the curve of her hand.
“You ready to go home? It’s been a long day,” Brody asked.
“Yeah. I am ready. You?”
He extended his arm, and she only hesitated a moment before wrapping her hand through the crook of it. She let him lend her some emotional support as well as physical strength. She motioned to Sarah that it was time to go, and the little girl came running.
Jeb and Sadie met them at the car. The ride home was quiet. All the occupants of the car were pensive and tired. Sarah fell asleep with her head on Lou’s lap.
When they stopped at home, Lou got out of the car and bent to pick Sarah up. Brody brushed her out of the way and scooped the child up himself. She had to admit she liked the way Sarah tucked her head into his neck and held on tightly.
They walked through the kitchen and he grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. He kissed Sadie on the forehead and said, “Night, Jeb.” He nodded in John’s direction. “John.”
“Night,” they all responded.
Lou followed him up the stairs and she undressed Sarah, sliding her nightgown on without even waking her. Brody pulled the covers over her. Lou tugged the door shut that adjoined the two rooms.
He followed Lou into her own room.“Thanks for all the help tonight.”
“You didn’t need my help. You’re just saying that to make me feel like I was needed.”
“I need you,” he breathed at her.
Her breath caught in her throat. She licked her lips.
“Why do you need me?” she asked quietly.
“Because my mother just died.” He rubbed both eyes with his fists and moaned. “I am so tired. I don’t even think I’m fit for company.”
“You going to bed?” Lou asked quietly. Then her gaze grew more serious. “Your mother did just die. You haven’t had time to deal with it yet so maybe some rest will help.” She patted his arm.
“I don’t think I could sleep if I wanted to. I think I’m going to go down to the bar in the study and get a bottle of Jack Daniels, and get stinking drunk all by myself. Maybe then I’ll just pass out and not feel this pain anymore.” He took her hand and held it over his heart. “All those years, I guess I just assumed she would always be here for me.”
“She was and still is, Brody. You take her strength with you in all that you do.”She removed her hand from over his heart and gave him a gentle shove toward the door. “Go to bed, Brody. You’ll feel better tomorrow if you get some rest.”
He surprised her by kissing her on the cheek. “’Night, Lou.”
“’Night,” she responded.